University Classes

Piano Pedagogy

MUS 388/588 and 389/589 Fall and Spring every other year – 2 credits (starting Fall 2016)

Course Description:

This course offers an examination of relevant methods of piano pedagogy and technique. Students will gain a better understanding of the fundamental pedagogical problems faced in piano performance and teaching.

Methods:

Steinbach, A Compendium of Piano Technique (The basis of the course)

Martienssen

Neuhaus

Varro

Leimer-Gieserking

Alexander

Breithaupt

Leschetitzky

Feuchtwanger

Gát

Couperin

C.P.E. Bach

Taylor

Feldenkrais

Gustavovich

Student Course Requirements:

Students will be required to develop their own personal definition of piano pedagogy as it pertains to articulation, dynamics, pedaling, playing movements, functioning of the mechanics etc. They are expected to discuss different approaches to the various methods and playing movements. They will learn to perform the exercises in my compendium as well as my etudes “Finger-Paintings” and are expected to be able to teach these exercises and etudes on all levels from beginners to advanced students throughout both semesters.

Grading Procedures:

Students will be evaluated every meeting on their teaching and performing of the exercises and etudes as well as their participation and discussion of the material.

Piano Repertory I & II

MUS 449/549 – 2 credits Fall & Spring every other year (starting Fall 2017)
This course will concentrate on piano solo composers and works. All important developments worldwide will be mentioned while the most significant composers, solo piano works, regions and eras will be focused on.

Recording examples and composer-biographies will be presented, compositions for piano will be analysed and discussed. Every student is expected to present a project/lecture on at least one period and/or composer. A test will finish the course. The grading procedure will reflect the result of the projects, the test and the quality of participation on discussions and analysis.

Piano Repertory I – Mus 449/549 (Fall)

Virginalists – England: Last third of the 16th century

1st third of the 17th century - Netherland – North Germany: End of the 16th century – middle of the 17th century

Italy – 16th century – 19th century

Clavecinistes – France and Belgium: (1650 – 1750)

Spain, Portugal: 16th – 19th century

Germany: Middle of the 17th – Beginning of the 18th century

Joh. Seb. Bach, Georg Friedrich Händel – First half of the 18th century

Galant style, transition to classic period, Bach’s sons: 18th century

Josef Haydn and W.A. Mozart: End of 18th century

L.v. Beethoven: End of the 18th century – beginning of the 19th century

Piano Repertory II – Mus 449/549 (Spring)

Following the Classic – Early Romantic: “Salonmusik”, Virtuosos: Middle of the 18th century – middle of the 19th century